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Consumer confidence and shopping
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If you had planned to shop for fall clothes, it’s
time to do it. If you were thinking about a new
car, it’s time to buy it. If you need a new dishwasher, it’s time to buy it. If you usually dine out a couple of times a week, it’s time to go back to doing that.
It’s what President Bush wants you to do. It’s what the nation’s economic leaders are telling you to do.
There is fear all around and with that comes staying home, staying close to those you love. But the country needs its economic systems to return to normal, and normal involves consumer spending.
There is good reason for consumers to spend wisely. This is not the time to be frivolous, but there is no reason to delay making purchases for things we need.
With soft buying, prices tend to be lower; wise consumers will buy now those commodities and goods that they will be needing now and in the future.
Our free market economy, locally and nationally, is governed more by consumer confidence than any other single factor. Much of the economic downturn since Sept. 11 is based on assumptions that consumers will stop buying. ,
So — while contributions and money and blood are needed to help victims of the terrorist attacks, a return to normal consumer spending will help the U.S. economy to rebound. It’s one way to fight back against those who attacked us.
Letters to the editor
The Rappahannock News welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers as a forum for discussion of local public affairs subjects.
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